Extra Time and A PK: Kansas City Current Headed to Semifinals

One year after their disappointing loss in the quarterfinals at CPKC Stadium, the Kansas City Current defeated Angel City 1-0 to advance to the semifinal. Angel City had not lost in ten games and had surged to become a contender heading into the playoffs. Kansas City also headed into this game on a five-game winning streak.

A fourth seed versus fifth seed would set up for a tight first half and a back-and-forth, but with limited chances for the visiting team despite both teams being the two highest-scoring teams (54 goals each). Kansas City held Angel City to three shots, one on target, and an xG of .10. While the Current were also held scoreless, the attack found chances: .54xG, seven shots, two on target. Angel City kept Temwa Chawinga, Michelle Cooper, and Haley Hopkins from being a threat. Both goalkeepers made one save each to keep the score 0-0 into halftime.

The Current controlled the second half, keeping 61% possession with 10 shots, four on target. Angel City struggled to create opportunities and had only five shots, zero on target. As the clock counted down to full time, even with 9 minutes of added time, the Current could not break through the Angel City defense.

It took extra time for the Current to finally get on the board in the 96th minute. Angel City goalkeeper Angelina Anderson shoved Kayla Sharples during a corner kick, sending the call to VAR to confirm the foul.

Penalty given against Angel City for a shove by Angelina Anderson on Kayla Sharples. #KCBaby #Volemos

— Chad Smith (@chadcsmith.bsky.social) 2026-11-07T19:24:07.403Z

Lo’eau LaBonta, the usual penalty taker, handed the game ball to Michelle Cooper to take the kick. Cooper converted, giving the Current the goal they had been seeking all game.

COLD. LIKE. COOP. 🥶Michelle Cooper blasts the penalty home in extra time to break the deadlock!

— KC Current (@kansascitycurrent.bsky.social) 2026-11-07T19:31:55.618Z

Kansas City could have made it 2-0 on a breakaway as Temwa Chawinga headed to goal and found Debihna near the goal post, but she didn’t gain control, and it stayed 1-0 until the end of regulation despite Angel City nearly gaining momentum and scoring the equalizer. The Current now wait for the winner of the Gotham FC versus Seattle Reign FC match to determine whether they travel to New Jersey if Gotham wins or host if Seattle wins.